Helen Salisbury: An illusion of control
We’ve been shaken recently in our surgery by some unexpected diagnoses and sudden deaths that have reminded us of how poor doctors can be at predicting the future health of patients. With some people you can see a downward trajectory, signalled a long time in advance—although even then they may surprise you, recovering from yet another acute admission or infectious exacerbation and carrying on for many more years. But there are others who were seemingly in the peak of health and fitness and are suddenly gone. Most people understand the things they need …
